Harmoniehof

English translation

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Description

Description

Closed and multi-sided building block on irregular plan with individual back gardens. The residential block was constructed in 1925-1926 to a design by B. van den Nieuwen Amstel. The building block is located on the northwestern side of the Harmoniehof and is surrounded by the Joh.M. Coenenstraat, the Gerard Terborgstraat, the Daniël de Langestraat and Harmoniehof. The block was designed with 9 double parcels each with eight dwellings. The building mass of this so-called 'red block' is constructed from various cubic forms. The whole is an interplay of projecting and set-back building components, with the use of different brick colours playing an accentuating role. In particular the transition between Harmoniehof and Joh. M. Coenenstraat proceeds in various angles and bevels. The brick colours here both form a dividing and overlapping role. The transition between Joh. M. Coenenstraat and Gerard Terborgstraat is formed by a taller building component in red brick with bevelling and corner. The facade on the side of the Harmoniehof runs away to the north on the west side. On the east side the facade plane steps back. Through setbacks in the facade at the Harmoniehof a square-shaped public space is created. The dwellings have plans in various types. The cellaered block has four storeys that step back in height and is finished with flat roofs. In some places there is a fifth storey, this is designed as an attic with storage and drying rooms. On the flat roof or against the wall surface of the higher facade sections there are diamond-patterned brick chimneys that are squat and compact with various flue channels. A single chimney running through the wall surface is supported by a carved console. Slightly overhanging roof cornice consists of architectural ceramic coping with floral motifs. Below the roof cornice are several heavy hoisting beams with four successive metal attachment points. The facades are built alternately in red and brown brick in stretcher bond. The facades are strongly articulated horizontally and vertically and have well-balanced window distribution. Stone course in dark clinker. The facade on the Joh. M. Coenenstraat has 11 window axes, that on the G. Terborgstraat/Daniël de Lange counts 24 window axes, and the facade on the Harmoniehof has 11 window axes. Windows with simple lower sill and articulation. The windows on the ground floor have sash windows and articulated fanlights and bevelled lower sills. At the wide corner window sections the piers contain decorative architectural sculpture. A few collection trays for rainwater drainage are located against the facade wall and have figurative architectural sculpture; other collection trays consist of a small brick plastic projection. The entrances (nine) consist of a low step with single door in broad wooden frame. Above the entrance sections are square windows of the staircases. These often have a bay-window-like projection over four storeys and are laid in brown brick. The plastered lintel has a decorative relief.

Valuation

Northwestern closed building block dating from 1925-1926 of general importance due to its architectural and cultural historical value as a characteristic example of a middle-class housing block provided with rich architectural sculpture in Amsterdam School style. Also of importance in the oeuvre of architect Van den Nieuwen Amstel, as well as due to ensemble value in relation to the surrounding blocks of 'Samenwerking'.